Before we dive into the meditation part, it is necessary to differentiate between spiritual practice and meditation. Many people confuse spiritual practice with meditation, but they are not the same thing. Spiritual practice or cultivation is about smoothing out one’s rough edges, while meditation is one of the methods of spiritual practice. It helps us learn to look at things from a more comprehensive perspective and to feel with the heart rather than constantly overthinking and judging with the mind.
Ok, let’s get back to our topic.
When you are searching for meditation, you may have some “stereotypes” about it: that you need to sit quietly, sit cross-legged for a long time, that it is a favorite practice among yoga enthusiasts, and that you must pair it with crystals and music to achieve healing.
Is meditation really that magical? It can stabilize emotions, eliminate stress, and improve work efficiency. Why do the world’s top companies and celebrities recommend meditation? What’s the appeal? If you have heard about the benefits of meditation but don’t know how to get started, the following will guide you straight into the world of meditation.
Meaning of Meditation
“Meditation is the act of eliminating thoughts” — this is a common misunderstanding that many people have about meditation. In fact, meditation cannot eliminate thoughts. The definition of meditation is actually very simple: it is a kind of mental training that allows us to be aware of everything that is happening. Meditation means “farming” in Pali, but meditation is not equivalent to spiritual training; just as farming has different methods.
Recommended for Beginners – Focused Meditation
Concentration meditation is also called “Samatha”, which means “stop” in the practice of Samatha and Vipassanā. It is a practice method of calming down and focusing on a specific object. If we keep focusing on a particular object, our impetuous mind will calm down. Therefore, practicing focused meditation will stabilize our mind and reach a state of “zen concentration”. At the same time, we will feel peaceful and no longer shaken by external factors. Through focused meditation, our hearts can find peace and rest in a short period.
You don’t have to sit down to meditate. You can also lie down or stand. Choose the most comfortable position, observe your breathing, and gradually calm yourself down. Any way you can relax and focus on your body, mind, and soul, such as cooking, jogging, painting, playing a musical instrument, or taking a bath, can all be good meditation! Is your concept of meditation now being redefined?
The key points of meditation
When first introduced to meditation, many people choose basic meditation methods such as breathing meditation or body scanning. Why meditate by focusing on your breathing or body sensations? This is about cultivating focus. Breathing meditation allows us to focus on our breathing.
The attention in meditation is called “bare attention”. It is different from the attention in the public mouth. This attention can help us let go of desires and distracting thoughts. Practicing pure attention can help us sustain our attention, thereby strengthening our ability to focus.
If losing weight is for making oneself healthier, meditation is a great tool, through meditation can achieve physical, mental and spiritual balance, connect yourself more with every part, every cell of the body.
Achieving a balance of body, mind and soul through meditation allows people to do anything more “consciously”. It is more like a “lifestyle” than training.
The benefits of meditation depend on each person’s needs, the way of meditation, and the degree of concentration. Through meditation, the mind can rest and stop thinking, so that the mind can be more thorough, reduce loneliness, and experience everything from a different perspective.
